Dog found tied to fence with mouth duct taped shut

Reward now offered for information

A severely abused dog was found tied to a fence with its mouth duct-taped shut.

The 1-year-old pit bull was discovered outside an abandoned home by a neighbor in the 2600 block of West Kentucky Street in Louisville.

Now, investigators are trying to find the person who put him there.

The dog is now being treated at the Blue Pearl Animal Hospital. They've named him Frodo, and said he is lucky to be alive after it's believed he was used as bait for dog fighting.

"We want to put this person behind bars," said Rebecca Eaves, director of The Arrow Fund.

For Eaves, the thought of someone actually hurting a dog so badly is that much worse.

"It's a shame what they do to these animals, and I'm emotional because I'm sick of this," said Eaves.

The Arrow Fund is a nonprofit now helping care for Frodo after he was found in terrible shape Tuesday morning.

"This is a sweet puppy that was just shown a life of horror," said Eaves.

Frodo's mouth was duct-taped shut and his body was found covered in bite marks.

Veterinarians were pumping him with medicine to help fight off infection and keep him out of pain.

"He clearly, in my opinion, was a bait dog and this is not his first time being thrown into a ring," said Eaves. "Basically, a dog got him here, got a hold of his canines and pushed them in."

Someone discovered Frodo tied to a fence near an abandoned home, but so far, investigators have no idea who put him there.

"Right now, we want to plead to the community. Please call our tip line to let us know if you've seen this animal out in that particular neighborhood," said Donald Robinson with Louisville Metro Animal Services.

The Humane Society of the United States is also offering a $5,000 reward for information on the person who let the dog endure so much abuse.

"Dog fighting is rampant here in Louisville and everybody just needs to be serious about it. Don't be afraid. Turn them in," said Eaves.

Frodo's left leg will also have to be amputated because of his injuries.

Veterinarians said he's got a long road ahead, but he's expected to recover.

Anyone who wants to donate to The Arrow Fund for Frodo's recovery can click here to reach its website.

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